Laser-Weld Inspection for Safety-Critical Welds

manufacturers that require Six Sigma production from their robotic-welding cells, can benefit significantly from automated laser-weld inspection. In conjunction with its robotic arc-welding solutions, Motoman, West Carrollton, OH, now offers laser-inspection systems that automate checking of safety-critical welds.

To provide automated weld inspection, the laser camera scans the weld profile for visible discontinuities such as voids, convexity, and undersized or undercut conditions. The laser sensor is flexible, and the user can set accept, warn and reject limits on discontinuities. Output from the sensor can be used to separate nonconforming parts from production.

For Six Sigma production, the camera supplements arc monitoring by verifying that welds look good and are in the proper location. The laser camera provides quantifiable inspection results, and nonconforming parts are separated from production, reducing the need to use third-party containment.

Using laser-weld inspection as part of the manufacturing process keeps poor-quality or missing welds from being covered with additional brackets or other components. Laser cameras can be used to inspect the final weldment to detect nonconforming parts prior to assembly.